10/31/2012

Coutureguru
223 Reviews

Coutureguru
Top Review
10
The Gift of Kings
I purchased Opus V by Amouage on a mad scramble through Dubai International Duty Free early this year. I'm a frequent traveler and on this particular occasion I'd won some money during a lucky night at the Blackjack tables and it was eating a hole in my pocket :).
I had an extremely fast connection, so I hurtled up to the concession and blurted out "gimme something with Oud and lots of Roses." The obligatory sniff I took seemed fine so I grabbed it (as it was the latest release at the time) along with a bottle of Lyric Man and as I was coughing up a serious chunk of my winnings, heard the 'last call' announcement for my flight. A mad rush to say the least and not the best way to buy an expensive bottle of fragrance!!
My first few wearings of Opus V were rather tough ... so much so that the bottle has remained pretty much untouched for the last six months or so. I decanted some for a Parfumo friend a few days ago (getting it all over myself in the process) ... and was struck dumb at the immaculate beauty of this creation!!
As I write this, I'm finding it hard to believe that I haven't yet emptied the bottle! Opus V opens with an immediate mèlange of slightly medicinal Oud and Civet, quickly followed by the faintest whisper of Iris ... which slowly crescendo's like an impossible note ornamented by a skillful tenor, undoubtedly provided by the reported 'Orris concrete' listed on Amouage's website. It's simply breathtaking!!!
A plump Rose takes up residence before long, with an aquatic Jasmine in situ, shimmering away like the reflected ripples on a pond. The deep dry down is somewhat dry and quite 'woodsy', the Orris still omni-present and the Civet adding a raunchy purr. I'm rather a fan of Civet in controlled doses ... it's very well conceived in Opus V. Noteworthy to mention, is that I get a more accessible vibe here than I normally do from Arabic fragrances, many of which are undoubtedly an acquired taste. Opus V carries a 'westernized' mien.
This is the sort of fragrance that reminds one of Haute Couture and champagne drenched lunches at the Polo club in some exotic location. It smells of wealth and opulence ... truly a "Gift of Kings".
I think my nose has had to develop some before finding full appreciation of Opus V. Definitely one that deserves to be worn more frequently!!!
I had an extremely fast connection, so I hurtled up to the concession and blurted out "gimme something with Oud and lots of Roses." The obligatory sniff I took seemed fine so I grabbed it (as it was the latest release at the time) along with a bottle of Lyric Man and as I was coughing up a serious chunk of my winnings, heard the 'last call' announcement for my flight. A mad rush to say the least and not the best way to buy an expensive bottle of fragrance!!
My first few wearings of Opus V were rather tough ... so much so that the bottle has remained pretty much untouched for the last six months or so. I decanted some for a Parfumo friend a few days ago (getting it all over myself in the process) ... and was struck dumb at the immaculate beauty of this creation!!
As I write this, I'm finding it hard to believe that I haven't yet emptied the bottle! Opus V opens with an immediate mèlange of slightly medicinal Oud and Civet, quickly followed by the faintest whisper of Iris ... which slowly crescendo's like an impossible note ornamented by a skillful tenor, undoubtedly provided by the reported 'Orris concrete' listed on Amouage's website. It's simply breathtaking!!!
A plump Rose takes up residence before long, with an aquatic Jasmine in situ, shimmering away like the reflected ripples on a pond. The deep dry down is somewhat dry and quite 'woodsy', the Orris still omni-present and the Civet adding a raunchy purr. I'm rather a fan of Civet in controlled doses ... it's very well conceived in Opus V. Noteworthy to mention, is that I get a more accessible vibe here than I normally do from Arabic fragrances, many of which are undoubtedly an acquired taste. Opus V carries a 'westernized' mien.
This is the sort of fragrance that reminds one of Haute Couture and champagne drenched lunches at the Polo club in some exotic location. It smells of wealth and opulence ... truly a "Gift of Kings".
I think my nose has had to develop some before finding full appreciation of Opus V. Definitely one that deserves to be worn more frequently!!!
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